Patents Issued in July 3, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080157478
    Abstract: In a contact type seal arrangement for a rolling bearing, it is aimed to reduce torque and improve sealability by improving the lip structure of each seal member. Each seal member 11 has a branch portion 15 at substantially the same height as the land 3 of the inner ring. A main lip 16 is defined by its portion extending radially inwardly from the branch portion 15. The tip of the main lip 16 is brought into contact with the outer groove wall 21 of the seal groove 4 to define a contact seal 25. An auxiliary lip 17 is defined by a portion extending axially inwardly from the branch portion 15. A labyrinth seal 19 is defined between the tip of the auxiliary lip 17 and the inner groove wall 18 of the seal groove 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Hikaru Ishida, Yoshimitsu Hirasawa, Atsushi Kawakita, Yusuke Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20080157479
    Abstract: An assembly for sealing a liquid region from a gas region across an annular surface of a rotating shaft in turbomachinery, having a plurality of annular sealing ring segments facing the rotating shaft, at least one sealing ring segment including a dead end annular groove formed in a radially inwardly facing bearing surface at a position closer to the liquid region than to the gas region when the segment is positioned proximate the shaft surface, the groove extending arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation, at least one diagonal groove formed in the segment bearing surface and extending from an edge of the segment proximate the gas region to a position of communication with the dead end annular groove that is downstream, from a mouth of the diagonal groove at the segment edge, with respect to rotary movement of the shaft along the segment bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Alan D. McNickle, Glenn M. Garrison, Diane R. McNickle
  • Publication number: 20080157480
    Abstract: A gasket for a valve in an internal combustion engine is provided with a support element having a tubular configuration according to an axis and coaxially mounted on the valve. An elastically deformable element is interposed between the support element and the valve. The support element includes a first portion elongated according to the above mentioned axis, and a second portion extending from the first portion in a direction transversal to the axis, at least partially housed in an annular seat of the elastically deformable element and having its radially outermost end connected to the first portion itself. The support element comprises a third portion extending from the radially innermost end of the second portion and folded on the second portion itself so as to generate, in the folding area, a rounded edge cooperating with the annular seat of the elastically deformable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Corcos Industriale S.a.s. di Freudenberg & Cosso S.r.l.
    Inventor: Francesco Scarano
  • Publication number: 20080157481
    Abstract: A dynamic shaft seal assembly is provided including a dynamic seal for engaging a rotary shaft. The dynamic seal includes a base portion that is mounted within a casing and has an axially extending barrel portion extending from a radially inner end of the base portion. The axially extending barrel portion terminates in a radially extending leg portion which extends inwardly from an end of the axially extending portion. A generally conically shaped seal portion extends from an end of the radially extending portion and the seal portion includes a radially inner face engaging the shaft and a radially outer face having a stiffening bead integrally formed thereon. The stiffening bead reduces the seal's propensity for “bell mouthing” while the axially extending barrel portion provides improved shaft followability for the dynamic seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: FREUDENBERG-NOK GENERAL PARTNERSHIP
    Inventor: Alexander Berdichevsky
  • Publication number: 20080157482
    Abstract: A gasket for a valve in an internal combustion engine is provided with a first elastically deformable portion adapted to cooperate with a rod of the valve. A second elastically deformable portion is adapted to cooperate with an outer surface of a guide element of the valve, and a third elastically deformable portion is interposed between the first and the second elastically deformable portions and bearing a cantilevered gas tight seal lip is adapted to cooperate with the rod of the valve. The lip displays a frustoconical configuration with a section decreasing in opposite direction to the pressure forces directed towards the first elastically deformable portion and is connected to the third elastically deformable portion at its greater section part. The lip is further connected on the side exposed to the pressure forces, to the third elastically deformable portion by a surface bearing one or more waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Corcos Industriale S.a.s. di Freudenberg & Cosso S.r.l.
    Inventor: Claudio Zoppi
  • Publication number: 20080157483
    Abstract: A compression limiter includes a tubular-shaped wall having an outer surface and an inner surface forming a central passage. A plurality of perforations extend through the wall from the outer surface to the inner surface. A plastic component can be formed with the compression limiter by over-molding a plastic body over the compression coupler and extending the plastic body into the plurality of perforations. The compression limiter is thereby firmly secured to the plastic body. Different sized fastener openings can be formed within the compression limiter by extending the plastic body into the central passage of the compression limiter and/or substantially preventing the plastic body from extending into the central passage of the compression limiter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jason Allen Booher, Marc Marcel Pierre Jasseron
  • Publication number: 20080157484
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multilobed socket (5) for protection of a vehicle transmission between a drive shaft and a transmission bell, whereby said socket (5) comes in the form of a cylindrical-conical bellows (8) that extends between the large multilobed base (6) and the small base (7) of the socket (5). This socket is characterized in that it has a new type of architecture close to the large multilobed base (6) of said socket (5), whereby this architecture consists in eliminating, in the pressure area zone of the socket (5) on the bell, any means of axial immobilization in said pressure area for the purpose of allowing free translation of the socket (5) in the direction of slippage, whereby a tightening collar is provided on the external face of said pressure area to exert a radial pressure for immobilization of the socket (5) against the receiving bell, whereby this radial pressure causes, to the right of the collar, a reduction of the thickness of the pressure area zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Trelleborg Prodyn
    Inventor: Cyrille Briton
  • Publication number: 20080157485
    Abstract: To enable the gasket (3) to securely contact with the box type body (2) when both the body and the cover (1) are downsized and thinned, and prevent fluid leakage through the seal by lessening repulsion of the seal at the time of sealing the clearance between two members (1, 2) to avoid excessive deformation of the cover (1), the gasket (3) and the structure for sealing the clearance between the two members is made such that the main body (31) is adhered to the bottom surface (11) of the cover (1) having the peripheral wall (12), the step face (36) is formed by the body (31) and the lip portion (32) formed at the tip side of the body (31), the contact surface (35) is formed by the side wall (34) of the body (31) and the peripheral wall (12), and the step surface (36) is positioned at the outside from the lip portion (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Eiji Isono
  • Publication number: 20080157486
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber/resin composite seal material comprising: a base material comprising a rubbery elastomer; and a fluororesin film bonded to the base material with an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: NICHIAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoya Kuzawa, Hideyuki Shishitani
  • Publication number: 20080157487
    Abstract: A method of dialing a workpiece having an axis into a chuck includes providing a chuck assembly having a plurality of independent hydraulically controlled jaws distributed about a central axis, each jaw having first and second hydraulic chambers. The method further includes the steps of inserting a portion of the workpiece into the chuck assembly, pumping hydraulic fluid uniformly into each of the first chambers until the jaws are substantially touching the perimeter of the workpiece, and adjusting one or more of the jaws to align the axis of the workpiece with the central axis of the chuck assembly by pumping hydraulic fluid into at least one of the chambers of at least one of the jaws. The method also includes the step of pumping hydraulic fluid uniformly into each of the first chambers until the jaws are clamped around the perimeter of the workpiece at a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jay Reynolds, Ryan Wach
  • Publication number: 20080157488
    Abstract: A surgical coupling device for releasably connecting a handpiece to a surgical instrument, the handpiece being provided with a recess into which a coupling portion of the instrument can be detachably slid, an interior wall of the recess having formed thereon a locking recess with which a snap-in element can be brought into detachable engagement, the snap-in element being supported on the instrument, wherein the snap-in element is formed on a latch element which extends substantially in axial direction and which is radially shiftably supported on the instrument and which is biased by at least one elastic element radially outwards into an inoperative position, the latch element being movable by an actuating element against the bias of the elastic element into a release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Kullmer, Martin Teller
  • Publication number: 20080157489
    Abstract: A socket locking assembly includes an assembly column having a body, two extensions extending from a bottom face of the body, a positioning hole defined through the body and a retaining boss formed on a side face extending between the two extensions and a locking pin extendable into the positioning hole from a bottom of the assembly column and having a top stop, a bottom stop and a secondary positioning such that after the two extensions and the locking pin are extendable into the space of the socket and the top stop of the locking pin is extended through the positioning hole of the assembly column, abutment of the top stop with a top face of the body as well as the retaining boss and the secondary positioning boss received in the indents of the socket prevent the socket from removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jui-Chien Kao
  • Publication number: 20080157490
    Abstract: A telescopic actuator includes a housing, an output rod which is slidable in an axial direction with respect to the housing, at least two slide bearings via which the output rod is supported by the housing, and a stopper disposed between the two slide bearings. The stopper regulates a moving end position of the output rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takehiko Hakui, Kotaro Yamaguchi, Masanori Watanabe, Atsushi Yuta, Hajime Kajiwara
  • Publication number: 20080157491
    Abstract: A stroller is adapted to be connected with a car seat, and includes a stroller frame, a seat portion disposed on the stroller frame and formed with a generally horizontal seat plate, and a footrest disposed pivotally on the seat plate and having a coupling portion. The footrest is pivotable relative to the seat plate between first and second positions. When the footrest is disposed in the first position, it stands on the seat plate such that the retaining member engages the coupling portion to thereby retain the car seat on the stroller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Jian-Qun Li, Haibo Zeng
  • Publication number: 20080157492
    Abstract: A transformable creeper has a movable frame that facilitates movement between an extended position and a seat position, as well as a storage position, and can support the human operator when lying and seated on the creeper. The creeper is of two pieces, that fold over each other tightly, so as to occupy minimal storage space. The creeper also includes a member that is pivotally mounted to the frame to function as a seat, that is easily accessible, when the frame is in the seat position and seating is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Arthur Chaykin, Peter Gillespie
  • Publication number: 20080157493
    Abstract: An improved foldable frame trailer cart includes a generally rectangular base frame having forward and rearward sections hingedly connected to one another and a trailer tongue mounted on and extending forwardly from the forward section of the generally rectangular base frame, the trailer tongue including a hinge operative to permit the rear portion of the trailer tongue to be pivoted relative to the front portion thereof. Left and right rear wheels are rotatably mounted within left and right wheel support frames, and the left and right wheel support frames are releasably pivotably mounted on the rearward section of the generally rectangular base frame such that the left and right wheel support frames are pivotable relative to the generally rectangular base frame between a non-ground-engaging transport position and a ground-engaging use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Gordon McConkey, Justin McConkey
  • Publication number: 20080157494
    Abstract: A cart includes a plurality of placement boards, a plurality of connecting posts mounted between the placement boards, a plurality of side plates mounted between the placement boards and the connecting posts, two handles mounted on an uppermost placement board, and a plurality of castors mounted on a lowermost placement board. Thus, each of the side plates is located between any two of the placement boards and between any two of the connecting posts to reinforce the combination strength of the placement boards and the connecting posts so as to reinforce the structural strength of the cart. In addition, the cart is assembled solidly and stably so that the cart is not loosened or detached easily after assembly to provide a safety to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiao Nieh
  • Publication number: 20080157495
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-functional board comprising: front and rear plates enabling a user to put his/her foot thereon and separately disposed from each other; and at least a resilient member connecting said front and said rear plates to each other and capable of being bent or twisted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Hoseong Choi
  • Publication number: 20080157496
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for large vehicles includes at least one elastomeric bearing. The bearing includes at least one substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion, at least one substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion, and at least one non-extensible shim disposed between and bonded to the substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion and the substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: SCOTT R. LEFFERTS, Stefan Barbulescu, Timothy J. Kubat
  • Publication number: 20080157497
    Abstract: A telescopic actuator is adapted to be used on a right side or a left side of a body. The telescopic actuator includes a housing having a cylindrical shape and formed with an opening portion, an output rod supported inside the housing so as to be protrudable and retractable with respect to the housing, and a stroke sensor comprising a detectable portion provided on the output rod so as to be movable inside the opening portion of the housing and a detecting portion provided on the housing so as to face the detectable portion. A direction in which the detectable portion is eccentrically disposed with respect to a vertical plane including an axial line of the output rod is different depending on whether the telescopic actuator is used on the right side or on the left side of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Terada, Hajime Kajiwara, Takehiko Hakui, Kotaro Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20080157498
    Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. In some embodiments each wheel is suspended from the vehicle by a pair of pivotal support arms. Preferably, one arm is located above the other arm, and both arms pivot along pivot axes that are generally perpendicular to the rotational axis of the supported wheel. A spring urges one of the arms apart from the frame. In other embodiments, the spring is placed beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In some embodiments both of the pivoting support arms are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: ALOHA, LLC
    Inventors: Earl Dallas Smith, Judson Smith
  • Publication number: 20080157499
    Abstract: A control arm for the wheel suspension of a motor vehicle with an arm body 1 made of at least one sheet metal part and at least one pivotal point for connection to a fixing point on the vehicle body side is introduced, whereby the pivotal point is designed as a circular mounting bushing 2 for an elastic bearing element 3. According to the present invention, the wall of the mounting bushing 2 is molded in one piece with the arm body 1 and consists of a bearing area 4 having a ring-shaped design as well as a mounting strap 5 fixed on the arm body 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Nachbar
  • Publication number: 20080157500
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved collapsible step assembly for recreational vehicles. The movable step apparatus comprises a mounting frame, at least one step mounted to the frame through a linkage assembly, and a pivot assembly having a pivot rod with a longitudinal axis of rotation. In use, the pivot rod is rotatably mounted to the frame and rotates the linkage assembly and the steps between an extended position and a retracted position. Rotating the pivot rod in a first direction moves the step to the extended position, and rotating the pivot rod in the opposite direction moves the step to the retracted position. A two-part linkage is rotatably engaged between the pivot rod and the step linkage and transfers downward forces on the step when retracted and when extended to the drive unit so that the step stays in its position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Richard W. Raley, Brock E. Ferguson, Ronald R. Jellison
  • Publication number: 20080157501
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved wheelchair—comprising a chassis, which has a lower chassis section pivotally connected to an upper chassis section, such that the upper chassis section can pivot in relation to the lower chassis section about a substantially horizontal axis;—where said lower section comprises two substantially parallel load carrying members, oriented in a direction parallel to the intended travelling direction of the wheelchair;—where the load carrying members are spaced in a direction perpendicular to the travelling direction by at least one transverse member;—where means are provided for detachably mounting rear wheels where the transverse member intersects each of the load carrying members;—and where close to, or as a part of, the mechanism pivotally connecting the upper and lower section, means are provided for attaching front wheels, said wheel mounting being pivotable about a vertical axle;—where means are provided for slidingly attaching a seat to the upper chassis section, sa
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Flemming Moller
  • Publication number: 20080157502
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle has an X-shaped frame including a folding device having two hinged portions to which two connection bars and a seat bar and a rear fork are fixed respectively to form an X-shape in an expanded condition. The two portions can be opened to fold the X-shaped frame. A handlebar and a front fork are respectively coupled to the connection bars. A shock absorbing device includes upper and lower tubes connected to the handlebar and the front fork respectively with a spring arranged therebetween. An adjusting device is arranged adjacent to a rear wheel to carry an auxiliary wheel through a bracket. The adjusting device allows the bracket to be positioned at an operation condition, a backward-bent standby condition, and a forward-bent stowed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Kuang-Huan Fu
  • Publication number: 20080157503
    Abstract: A main stand for a vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle) includes a bar-like member rotatably disposed on a vehicle body frame of the motorcycle, a lever rotatably disposed on the vehicle body frame, a cam rotated integrally with the lever, and a cam rest disposed on an upper portion of the bar-like member. The cam rest is pressed by the cam as the lever is rotated to bring the bar-like member to an upright position to raise a wheel off a ground. The lever is rotated by an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryoji IMAI
  • Publication number: 20080157504
    Abstract: An extended forward tow, single rail saddlemount or tow bar is disclosed. The tow bar allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck. The tow bar allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck, rather than the much higher high wind loads and unusual stresses imposed by a rear-ward facing tow. The saddlemount is also designed to minimize the required vertical rise on the towed truck, which also avoids additional stresses during loading and unloading onto the towing truck. Lower stress is achieved by using a pivot pin nearer the towed truck rather than the usual pivot pin or king pin on the towing truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
  • Publication number: 20080157505
    Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles is disclosed. The method uses relatively light weight, flexible webbing atop the truck frame in place of hardwood timbers presently used. The advantage is that the timbers need not be transported back to the truck factory or dealership for reuse, only the chains and webbing need to be returned. Thus, it is easier and more economical to return the towing equipment for re-use for the next shipment of trucks. Protective material may be placed atop the truck frame to protect the webbing from sharp corners or edges of the truck frame. Chains may be used on either side of the intermediate axle to attach to the webbing. In one embodiment, sturdy strapping or other materials may be used on either side of the intermediate axle to attach to the webbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
  • Publication number: 20080157506
    Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles is disclosed. The method uses inner or outer securing plates, or both, in cooperation with frame rails of a towing vehicle to secure a towing device to the towing vehicle. Towing vehicles typically include a frame that is made from strong robust channels on both sides of the towing vehicle. The securing plates generally have a right-angle bend in order to butt up against a web or a flange of the channels. This prevents inner or outer movement of the securing plates and allows users to secure a towing saddle and its load without using extended U-bolts around the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
  • Publication number: 20080157507
    Abstract: A tow hook coupling device to automatically align and couple a tow hook of a first vehicle onto a female member of a second vehicle when the two vehicles are brought into proximity. The female member has a lateral attachment that is suitable to be grabbed by a hook, and the male member has a shaft, a hook connected to the shaft and an elevation guide extension. Upon contact of the guide extension with the lateral attachment, the shaft is raised to align the hook to couple with the lateral attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Eliahu Tayar
  • Publication number: 20080157508
    Abstract: An active knee bolster (28) and a knee bolster (42), whose accommodated positions are different, are mounted within an instrument panel (18) along a curved configuration of a wall portion (24) of the instrument panel (18) which, in a vehicle transverse direction, is convex and concave in a vehicle body longitudinal direction. At a time of a vehicle body collision, a main body (30) of the active knee bolster (28) moves from an accommodated position to a leg restraining position, and a leg restraining position of the active knee bolster (28) and a leg restraining position of the fixed-type knee bolster (42) become equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. In accordance with this invention, legs of an occupant can be reliably protected, and degrees of freedom in designing a vehicle interior wall such as the instrument panel or the like are improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeaki Kato, Osamu Fukawatase, Takuya Nezaki
  • Publication number: 20080157509
    Abstract: A knee-bag to be inflated in front of an occupant leg includes a first member facing the occupant, a second member facing the first member, and a tether provided in the knee-bag for connecting the first member and the second member. The tether extends in a lateral direction and has end portions in a thickness direction of the knee-bag, and lateral ends in the lateral direction. At least one of the lateral ends has a portion located inwardly in the lateral direction so that air-flow spaces are formed between a left end of the tether and a left side of the knee-bag and between a right end of the tether and a right side of the knee-bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Abe, Masayoshi Kumagai, Yoshiki Murakami
  • Publication number: 20080157510
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for controlling deployment of a side airbag from an airbag module to protect an occupant in a seat of a vehicle in a crash in which it is determined whether a small child is to be protected by deployment of the side airbag, and when it is determined that a small child is to be protected by the side airbag, it is determined the whether the small child has his or her head against the airbag module. When it is determined that a small child is to be protected by the side airbag and has his or her head against the airbag module, deployment of the airbag is suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: David S. Breed, Wendell C. Johnson, Wilbur E. DuVall
  • Publication number: 20080157511
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an airbag cover may include a molding step for forming a molded airbag-cover body that includes an integrated combination of a top panel and a container, and a tearing-line formation step for post-processing the molded airbag-cover body obtained in the molding step to form a tearing line having a depth less than a panel thickness of the top panel. An ultrasonic machining device may be used in the tearing-line formation step to form the tearing line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Naoki Soejima
  • Publication number: 20080157512
    Abstract: A releasable tether retention system is provided. The system includes a housing, a cutting member slidably coupled to the housing, and a tether holder secured to the tether for attaching a tether to the housing. At least a first portion of the tether holder is coupled to the housing along a path of sliding motion of the cutting member so as to enable the cutting member to at least partially sever the tether holder during sliding motion of the cutting member. A vehicle occupant protection system and an airbag module including the releasable tether retention system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce A. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20080157513
    Abstract: An anti-tip assembly for a power wheelchair with a frame and has a resilient bracket and a front wheel assembly. The resilient bracket has a mounting bracket, a resilient arm and a resilient wheel connector. The mounting bracket is connected to the frame and has a top edge. The resilient arm is formed on and protrudes forward from the top edge of the mounting bracket and has a distal end. The resilient wheel connector is formed on and extends from the distal end of the resilient arm and has a bottom leg. The front wheel assembly is connected securely to the bottom leg of the resilient wheel connector and has a wheel bracket and an idler wheel. The wheel bracket is connected to the bottom leg of the resilient wheel connector and has two wings. The idler wheel is mounted rotatably between the wings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Chuan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080157514
    Abstract: An adjustable book cover (10) comprising a front cover (12) and a rear cover (30) that is integrally attached to the front cover (12). A front cover retaining pocket (48) is attached to the front cover's inner surface (24), and a rear cover retaining member (70) is attached to the rear cover's inner surface (42). Attachment means (92) are located on the rear cover's inner surface (42) and the retaining member's outer surface (80). The book cover (10) is dimensioned so that when the book cover (10) is placed on a book (100), the rear cover's left edge (36) can be folded inward, which allows the attachment means (92) on the rear cover's inner surface (42) to interface with the attachment means (92) on the retaining member's outer surface (80). The rear cover's left edge (36) can be folded inward various distances to accommodate books of different thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Robert S. Silverman
  • Publication number: 20080157515
    Abstract: A kit comprising one or more portions of binder's board having a top and bottom surface; one or more portions of adhesive paper coated on each side with a pressure sensitive adhesive; release paper adhered to each side of the adhesive paper so that the release paper can be easily removed exposing the pressure sensitive adhesive; and a hinge board. Also a method for forming the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Alexander Milford
  • Publication number: 20080157516
    Abstract: A binding system (1) comprising a stack of sheet (2), each with a binding side (3) with attachment means for the connection of the sheets. The binding side of a sheet possesses an alternating sequence of tabs and notches. One sheet can be attached to an adjacent sheet by interlocking its tab (4) into the notches between the corresponding tabs of the adjacent sheet. The tabs fit exactly into these notches to provide a seamless connection between these sheets. Thus this binding system provides for a quick, user-friendly binding system without requiring separate and cumbersome attachment means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Gokkel
  • Publication number: 20080157517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel security feature in the form of a luminescent marking for integration in a recording material. The security feature comprises a radiation layer (21) with luminescent components and a masking layer (2) with cavity pigments at least partly masking the radiation layer. The pigments in the masking layer (2) are fused by locally defined heal treatment into the form of a marking. The invention particularly relates to a heat-sensitive recording material comprising, in a preferred embodiment, at least one substrate (10), a heat-sensitive recording layer (30), an intermediate layer (21), between the substrate and the heat-sensitive recording layer in the form of a radiation layer with luminescent components and a masking layer with cavity pigments (2), the pigments of the masking layer (2) being fused in the form of a marking by locally defined fusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HITEC PAPER FLENSBURG GMBH
    Inventor: Takao Masuda
  • Publication number: 20080157518
    Abstract: A flashing device comprising a flange comprising a front surface, back surface, and an opening wherein the opening is essentially centrally located in the flange and wherein the flange is suitable for attachment to a surface of an overlaid structural sheathing panel over a protrusion through the sheathing panel, and a gasket effective to essentially seal the perimeter of the protrusion to water, and an adhesive backing located on a back surface of the flange wherein the backing comprises an adhesive effective to permanently attach the flashing device to the surface of the overlaid structural sheathing panel. A system for flashing can comprise such a flashing device. A kit, building system or structure can comprise a flashing device as described and an overlaid wood composite panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: HUBER ENGINEERED WOODS LLC
    Inventor: Federico Ramos Cecilio
  • Publication number: 20080157519
    Abstract: A composite tube assembly and a method of making the same are provided. The composite tube assembly includes a composite tube and a fitting penetrating the composite tube. The fitting includes a reduced diameter section surrounded by a reduced diameter tube portion of the tube. A bolstering structure surrounds this reduced diameter tube portion. The method includes inserting the fitting into the composite tube, heating the tube portion surrounding the fitting to soften the same, radially compressing the tube portion onto the fitting reduced diameter section, and providing a bolstering structure surrounding the compressed tube portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: James M. Mullen, Daniel M. Valleroy, Daniel L. Moore
  • Publication number: 20080157520
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for connecting two rigid tubular objects. The device includes a male part and a female part. The female part includes a sleeve which, at one of its ends, is provided with a recess. The male part includes a tube portion which, at one of its ends, is provided with a transverse edge formed by an indentation arranged in the outer wall of the male part. A sleeve-shaped element is arranged to be placed between the parts when inserting the male part into the female part. The element is provided with a resilient tongue with a first device/element which, during insertion of the element into the female part, resiliently engages the recess thereof and a second device/element, which during insertion of the male part into the element, resiliently snaps into place behind the transverse edge of the male part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Morgan Ryhman
  • Publication number: 20080157521
    Abstract: The present invention is an anchor pile coupling system, consisting of a male and female pile coupling which can be attached to opposite ends of a piling, as well as a top drive which is used to apply rotational force to the piling string in order to guide it into the anchoring surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph S. Davis
  • Publication number: 20080157522
    Abstract: A pipe coupling (1) includes a pipe-shaped sleeve (2) being provided with a protruding flange (4) at least in one end, said flange having a tapering end face (6). The pipe coupling further including an annular gripping ring (13) divided into ring segments (17), an annular resilient sealing ring (12) provided between the flange (4) and the gripping ring (13), a pressure ring (8) and tightening means of the bolt/nut type (26, 27). The pressure ring (8) is divided into a number of separate, mutually interspaced ring segments (10) each provided with an abutment face (9) adapted to displaceably abut the end face (6) of the flange (4). The bolts (26) extend through elongated, radially extending openings (30) in the flange (4) and through clearance holes (32) in the pressure ring segments (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Erling Freudendahl
  • Publication number: 20080157523
    Abstract: Provided is a joint which can be easily detached from and attached to pipes, in which a flange joint is connected air-tightly at a connection portion of medium-size or large-size pipes, without using bolts. In the pipe joint, flanges are formed at both ends of connection tubes for respective pipes, connection units are fitted with the flanges, to then make the flanges and the connection units easily connected using a connector, respectively, in order to prevent the flanges from seceding from the connection units, respectively, a protrusion and an O-ring groove are formed at the end of one connection tube to thus make an O-ring fitted into the O-ring groove, and a concave portion is formed on the inner circumference of the other connection tube, to thereby closely contact the O-ring at the state where the protrusion closely contacts the groove, to thus maintain air-tightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Yang Ho WOO
  • Publication number: 20080157524
    Abstract: A combination sealing and restraint system for an as-cast ductile iron fitting is shown for both sealing and preventing separation of an iron pipe fitting and a mating male pipe. A sealing gasket body is provided with a series of integrally formed gripping segments. The gripping segments have teeth on an inner surface which are initially angled away from an outer surface of a mating male pipe. The teeth are forced into engagement with the exterior surface of the mating male pipe as the pipe joint at the fitting is assembled. The teeth are oriented to allow movement of the male pipe in a first direction relative to an end opening of the fitting during assembly, but to resist movement in a opposite direction after the fitting joint has been assembled. The combination sealing and restraining system is installed in the annular groove of the as-cast iron fitting after the iron casting operation at the factory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jim Jones, Bradford G. Corbett
  • Publication number: 20080157525
    Abstract: A pipe joint unit includes a first pipe member with a male joint, a second pipe member with a female joint, and a pipe joint member coupling the first pipe member and the second pipe member. The male joint is received in the female joint such that an outer peripheral surface of the male joint is opposed to an inner peripheral surface of the female joint. The pipe joint member includes an engagement part that is elastically displaceable in the radial direction, and engages with the first and second pipe members. The male joint and the female joint have rotation restricting parts on the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface, respectively, for restricting relative rotation of the first and second pipe members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicants: DENSO Corporation, DENSO Airs Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Yoshino, Kinji Ochiai, Koji Tanaka, Manabu Suzuki, Takeshi Hishikawa
  • Publication number: 20080157526
    Abstract: A power generation assembly for use in generating electrical power from air or water currents includes a tiered rail system forming elongated loops, a vane assembly having a frame and at least one vain, and car assemblies sidably mounted to each rail, including linkage portions coupled to the frame of the vane assembly and a power-take-off arrangement includes an element that is operatively coupled to the car assembly and a drive wheel coupled to a generator and configured to take power off the moving car assembly by the drive wheels being rotated by the passing power-take-off element or a power-take-off system using a cable and clamps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Fred E. Davison, Gary Davison
  • Publication number: 20080157527
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling electrical energy in an engine-driven vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes a battery, a propulsive engine, and a starter-generator assembly coupled to the engine of the vehicle. The method includes supplying an electrical current from the battery to a starting winding of the starter-generator, supplying an electrical current to the battery from a generating winding of the starter-generator, and controlling the voltage of the starter-generator using a unitary, voltage regulator integrated with the starter-generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Lewis Jones, James Edward O'Bryan, Lokesh Ramanna